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THE Ubuntu Youth project has changed the lives of many children in the Free Sate, under the watchful eyes of animal activist and author Beatrice Wiltshire. Now she has moved to the Helderberg and her aim is to change the world for children here, giving them a chance to regain a feeling of self-worth. Beatrice started the Ubuntu Youth Project on her retirement and relocation to the Free State a couple of years ago. She worked for many years as a national training manager, focusing on motivational and delegation training. Having decided to put back into society, her dream was to start a permaculture project to teach people to grow their own organic food.

But her involvement with a local school brought the realisation of the real needs among the children who lived in impoverished communities.

There were no sports fields. During weekends and school holidays there was nothing to occupy the time of these children who lived in underprivileged circumstances.

They were often exposed to a high level of alcoholism and the resultant abusive practices, not only towards women and children but also towards animals. This led to a lack of self-esteem among the children, the majority of whom were from broken homes and single parent families. It was a fertile breeding ground for gangs and the shebeen culture as well as criminal elements.

And so, the Ubuntu Youth project was started three years ago as an experiment. More than 80 Ubuntu members have since completed their Ubuntu training and are making a difference in all those around them.

Says Beatrice, "The intention with the project is to inculcate a sense of compassion and respect for all life.

With violence escalating around the world, social scientists, psychologists and educators have for some time acknowledged that society's treatment of animals was inseparable from its treatment of people. There was overwhelming evidence that the roots of violence were often embedded in childhood experiences of cruelty to animals.

For the children, the Ubuntu Youth project meant a chance to 'become someone.'"

On joining the project, every child takes an oath: "I promise to show Ubuntu towards all living beings." There is also an Ubuntu greeting.

Through passing the modules and showing good behaviour, those with leadership qualities can work towards becoming Team Leaders. These team leaders lead discussion groups along the lines of Ubuntu and subscribe to a strict code of practice (don't do drugs, drink, smoke or engage in anti-social behaviour).

The next goal to reach for is the status of teacher, when they take over the teaching of new recruits. Beatrice believes that children listen to other children and that makes the difference to be successful.

"I never intended the project to be an elite group, but experience has now taught me that in the Free State, learners aspire to be part of the group, because of the prestige these Ubuntu children have in their communities."

After three years, the first batch of five members who have reached teacher status has now come through. This will be followed regularly by new graduates.

The Ubuntu 'Peace Messengers' are taking their social responsibilities seriously. Once a month they go out in the informal settlements on a door-to-door basis, improving the lives of domestic animals. They also organise games and competitions for the local youth on alternate Saturday afternoons, thereby living up to their promise to show the Spirit of Ubuntu towards all living beings. Now she has made Somerset West her home and the first school she is involving in her Ubuntu project, is Somerset West Methodist Primary School.

"I was very impressed with the teachers, the pupils and the headmaster. They are keen to make the project work. The ideal age for learners to become part of the project, is nine or ten years and the training spans two years. They have to live according to the oath and the ultimate goal is to build leaders with self-esteem and self-respect."

Beatrice says she is doing a workshop at Methodist Primary School at present and is also attending workshops and motivational sessions in the Free State, to keep the project there active and the members inspired.

She dreams about a kombi for the learners of Methodist Primary, as they will have to reach out to their community with visits to hospitals, old age homes and the Animal Welfare Society, so if you can help, phone her on 083 400 0262 or send an e-mail to her at ubuntuyouth@mtnloaded.co.za.

She recently heard that two of her Ubuntu kids in the Free State have been selected for Oprah's school in Durban next year. "I'm so proud! We are building the future leaders of tomorrow."

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